Prayer service at Westminster Abbey to mark Lanka’s 74th Independence Day

Text and Pix by Sujeeva Nivunhella in London

A service of evening prayers was held at the Westminster Abbey last week to mark the occasion of the 74th Anniversary of Sri Lanka’s Independence.

Archdeacon and Canon Steward, the Venerable Tricia Hillas read the first lesson, and the second lesson was read by High Commissioner Saroja Sirisena.

During the service, prayers were offered to Sri Lanka, its leaders and people. In honour of the Evensong, Sri Lanka’s national flag was hoisted aloft the Westminster Abbey.

High Commissioner Saroja Sirisena, diplomatic officials, staff of the Lankan High Commission in London, Regional Head of Europe and Americas of the SriLankan Airlines, President of the Sri Lanka-UK Chamber of Commerce and Chief Executive Officer of Bank of Ceylon (UK) Ltd, attended the service.

The Westminster Abbey is the final resting place of 17 monarchs and some of the most significant people in Britain’s history including statesmen, poets, scientists, warriors and musicians. It was founded by Benedictine monks in 960AD. To this day, the Abbey retains a tradition of Christian worship and welcome.